Shadow the Hedgehog

Hope looked at Melody and tried to concentrate, but that seemed to only make things worse. "It's not working. Do you see that? The sky's getting darker. I think things are about to take a turn for the worse,"

"I don't know. All I know is something definitely isn't right," said a pained Hope.

"You're welcome," said Shadow. As Hope wandered along the beach she suddenly felt a throbbing pain in her head. As she stumbled to Crowley clutching her head, she offered her thoughts. "Did I annoy Eggman with my little charade? Or is this what happens when the machine gives you the boot?"

Shadow looked to Mina. "I'm sorry you have to see this. No one should have to see a friend like this. But at least she's gonna pull through. I'm certain of that."

"I see your point. I don't think there's anything we can really do. She's still breathing fine. Pulse is normal."

"She seems stable. This doesn't make any sense. How can you be unconscious in a dream?" said Shadow.

"I have no intention of trying anything Mina." "Exactly. That was her primary concern.," said Crowley.

"It probably had something to do with her wanting a daughter as a subordinate. They tend to look nicer on royal occassions," replied Crowley. "Sure, I'll help her," replied Shadow, glancing at Mina

"She was rather muffled but I think she wanted you as an adoptive daughter. If nothing else than to give her some semblence of legitimacy."

"Alicia had plans for you. What they were I don't know, we were preoccupied at the time." Shadow came over to Locke. "What is it?"

"I suppose it is odd that as a Moebian I had better fortune, as the key event that defined him I have not experienced. Things aren't always black and white it seems. And no, I was hired to kill your brother, and your parents if they were present. I don't make a habit of killing children. In fact many a man have died for merely asking me, but Alicia Acorn was a very determined customer."

"Don't be too hard on Shadow. The man has an incredibly stressful job for which he receives no gratitude, and to say he's been through a lot would be a colossal understatement. You might not like him. Few people ever will. But he'd still help you in a time of need. As for not encountering me, Red and I did not meet as often as you think. I tended to keep to myself the majority of the time. And I was never hired to kill you to begin with."

"Ibwouldn't go that far Melody," he said with a smile.

"Yes I am. Apparently women seem to like it, if your mother is any indication."

"Well a man like me has many sides."

"Perhaps I am."

Crowley returned the hug. "I'll keep that in mind."

"It's fine. I may as well get used to it. Plus it's interesting to see if it runs in the family."

"It's perfectly understandable. I shall try my hardest to help you. I promise."

"She was less enthusiastic, though there was still a spark there. If I ever do 'make a move' as they say, it will be after you've both arrived here in the Prime Zone."

"As much as I'd like that, I couldn't do it knowing how it'd affect you and your brother."

"Yes I think it would add to my image rather nicely."

"Well I suppose there's a first time for everything. Somwhow I feel if Mina had her way I'd be doing this more often."

"It's ok. You're gonna be fine," he told Melody. "What the hell are those 2 doing?" Crowley muttered.

Crowley supported Melody and sat her down against a tree. "Are you OK?" he worriedly asked.